Board selects next superintendent

HONOLULU — The State of Hawaii Board of Education has selected Christina Kishimoto as the incoming superintendent.

After a search process that spanned several months and 92 applicants, the BOE interviewed two final candidateson May 11 before making its decision.

“Because both finalists were so highly qualified, it was a difficult decision for the Board,” said BOE ChairpersonLance Mizumoto. “In the end, however, we felt that Dr. Kishimoto has the right combination of experience,knowledge, and focus to implement the strategic vision for educational change set forth in the Governor’sBlueprint for Education and the BOE and HIDOE’s newly revised joint strategic plan.”

Kishimoto signed a three-year contract and will start on August 1. She will begin her transition out of her currentrole as superintendent of the Gilbert Public Schools District in Arizona.

“It is with great excitement and honor that I accept this critical education leadership position for the State ofHawaii and the Hawaii Department of Education,” said Kishimoto.

During the selection process, the BOE conducted a thorough background check, which included civil, criminal,financial, and educational verifications.

“In addition, district officials, former superintendents, and other individuals in the Gilbert district were contacted,”Mizumoto added. “Various negative statements made about Dr. Kishimoto were either inconsequential or simplyinvalid.”

Next month, the BOE will hold a news conference to formally introduce Kishimoto as the new HIDOEsuperintendent.

Outgoing HIDOE Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi ends her term on June 30. The BOE plans to name an interimSuperintendent to serve during the transition month of July.